I received a message from an apprentice piercer asking about jewelry for an ampallang piercing:

Hello Ms. Angel,

My name is F. I am an apprentice piercer and I have a married couple coming in and they both want to get pierced. The Husband (uncircumcised) is adamant on getting an Ampallang, but he wants a hoop for the initial Piercing. I can not find any information online or through other piercers if this is safe. I would really appreciate your advise.

thank you.

Hi F.,

What about your mentor? If you're an apprentice, there has to be an expert you're studying under, right? What does he or she have to say….? If you do not have anyone to guide you through such advanced piercings, you MUST refuse!

If someone came to me with that request, my response would be, "No, I'm sorry--I won't use a ring for initial jewelry in that area. My experience allows me to be certain that would not be safe or helpful for healing. I can start it using a bar, and after you are fully healed you can explore other jewelry options."

In any case when it comes to dealing with clients, you're in charge. Regardless of how "adamant" somebody is, it is up to you to always stand by your ethics and only do piercings for which you are qualified, and to refuse to participate in any piercings (or jewelry selections) that are a bad idea.

Just say "no." If they say they'll go elsewhere for it--that's fine. You can't be responsible for their bad decisions, but you can be responsible for avoiding making your own. I always tell people, "Any piercer who is wiling to do that does not care about your safety, wellbeing, or the success of your piercing--only your money. I DO care, which is the reason I'm going to refuse to do anything that is a bad idea."

I received a message from an apprentice piercer who was concerned about the placement of a Vertical Clit Hood piercing he recently performed:

I'm an apprenticing piercer and my fiancee agreed to come in for a supervised VCH piercing with my instructor. I'm pretty positive that we ended up with a surface piercing rather than a genuine, and correct VCH. I explained my concerns to my instructor and she assured me that it was done correctly, but I'm pretty certain this is incorrect.

We did the q-tip test ahead of time and utilized a NRT for the procedure, so I'm a little uncertain as to how we ended up where we are. Secondarily, the jewelry the piercer selected is far too short (easily remedied). The piercee is very uncomfortable and sore.

I'm inclined to have her remove the jewelry and begin healing, but wanted a second opinion before doing so.

Thank you.

My Reply:

I'm glad you contacted me. That jewelry absolutely needs to come out before it gets embedded. And, since the piercing is not placed properly, I would not advise that even properly sized jewelry be reinserted.

You're correct: that is a surface piercing, not a VCH. I marked the photo with an arrow to indicate where the jewelry should be coming from (underneath the hood, against the clitoris).

How long have you been engaged in your apprenticeship and how carefully did you check into this mentor's qualifications? I have grave concerns for your education if this is representative of her work as an instructor--especially if she tried to tell you this was in any way "correct."

I received a message from a woman who had a question about certain legalities of piercing:

Hello my name is T and I've been piercing out of my home for the past 4 years and i have a problem. im starting to save money and build a business but someone is trying to bring me down. im currently creating a facebook page for my new business and an employee from a tattoo shop said he reported me to the police for piercing out of my home. ive been doing this for more than 4 years and i looked up on the internet for the state of pennsylvania you dont need a license to tattoo/pierce but hes telling me to get an apprenticeship. do i need that?

My reply:

T.,

I don't know anything about your local laws, but I know a great deal about professional piercing and I must say that it absolutely should take place out of a proper studio and not a home.

I received a message from a girl who was interested in becoming a piercer:

Hello,

I've been interested in becoming a piercing artist for a while and have asked about apprenticeships, but have had no luck until today when one of the artists at a nearby shop said that he would apprentice me for one hundred dollars a week. Should I consider this? Would a reputable place ask for this or are they just interested in getting my money?

This is something I'm serious about doing and am willing to do anything for at this point.

I got this lovely message, which I guess I have to label "fanmail" from a Facebook friend:

Hey there, thanks for friending me. It's nice to see my biggest inspiration on Facebook. Love the book btw, I just bought another copy for my girlfriend who is starting her apprenticeship. You've helped me with so much in the past, and I feel to be so much more educated because of it.

I'm sure you don't remember viewing my photobucket portfolio, but the comments you responding to me in the return email helped alot, and the fact that you took the time to do it was awesome. Keep doing what your doing. I love it. Educate the world, this industry needs more people like you to go above, beyond, and inspire piercers like myself to do the same. Medical courses, the in depth attention to proper aftercare, and so much more.

It's sad to see some "piercers" that don't take that kind of initiative to achieve what you have. Keep in touch, you're a beautiful person, a master of the trade, and an asset to this industries growth and popularity. Thanks again for everything.

Most Complete Piercing Book on the Planet

Posted September 15, 2009 I am trying to become a body piercer. It is a notoriously difficult industry to integrate into. This book not only gives you a deep insight into the industry but also the standards required. It covers everything from the piercing rules, through to the equipment and different jewellery types, also different ways of aftercare and advice on what to do if something does go wrong with your piercing! Elayne also shares some personal stories from her vast experience of the body piercing world. Some are rather amusing, some not so but it makes for a very interesting read! The author also gives both Pro's and Con's to each piercing or jewellery choice, which is thorough, informative and very well researched. This book is a must for anybody interested in being a piercer or getting a number of piercings!

I received this message on my Facebook page from a reader who is hungrily devouring my book and finding it useful as well:

Hi Elayne
Just a quick message to say a big THANK YOU for writing The Piercing Bible. I am still relatively new to the art and felt I wasn't getting enough information from my trainer. Needless to say, your book was a God-send. I'm halfway through and only got it three days ago! I have already applied some of your advice in my work with great success.
Thanks again!
T

That's absoutely wonderful feedback, but I feel concerned that her mentor isn't providing her with information that she feels she needs....